Board member — Friends of the Brainerd Public Library, an organization that supports and promotes Brainerd Public Library, is looking for individuals to serve on the Friends of the Library Board of Directors. Activities include the used book sale, author visits and programming at the library. For more information call Friends President Gail Brecht at 218-855-1054 or Secretary/Treasurer Sherri Delahunt at 218-963-2699.

Food Distribution Volunteers — Volunteers will assemble food boxes for our clients and will roll carts from the pantry out to the delivery area, where they will add bread and fresh produce. Volunteers will need to be able to lift or slide boxes (weigh about 30-35 pounds) off the prep counter and onto the carts. Volunteers will need to be in good physical condition. A shift lasts from approximately 10 a.m.-3:30 pm. We are currently looking for volunteers who can work on call and on short notice to replace other volunteers as needed. Volunteers may also choose to work a regular weekly shift if desired.

Computer Basics Instructor — We have an immediate need for Computer Basics instructors. These classes focus on learning Office 2007. There are ongoing women’s classes on Tuesday afternoons and men’s classes on Friday afternoons (each class is 90 minutes). We are not looking for experts.

Teachers — Business Professionals. We are in need of business professionals to help students in our job readiness class prepare for employment. Topics include resumes, cover letters, networking, interviewing, and helping students understand what businesses are looking for when hiring. Any experience in these areas would be a blessing to the students.

Facilitator and children’s program volunteers — This is a weekly support and education group that meets in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes and Crosby and for anyone in a parenting role. Parents come voluntarily as they seek to improve their parenting skills through mutual self help. Seeking volunteers to facilitate the parents group and to help with the children’s program. Not necessary to be a parent educator. Facilitator and children’s program training available. Stipend available.

Transportation Assistance — Volunteers are needed to provide transportation for some of our families to and from our weekly meetings.

Thrift Store Associates — Volunteers need to restock sales floor, clean and organize merchandise, pick up large donations once a month and other support to Common Goods staff. Monday–Saturday, anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Flexible days and hours.

Line Volunteer — To listen, ask questions and guide callers to local resources and empower them to call. Sometimes to be a listening ear. Two shifts per month. Shifts are: 8 a.m.-noon, noon-5 p.m., 5-10 p.m., 10 p.m.-8 a.m.

Buildings and Grounds Assistants — Urgent need for volunteers to help the Building and Grounds Committee in general repair and maintenance of the museums eight historic buildings and the museum grounds. April to mid-October. Hours are flexible.

Travel/Information Center Assistant — This position requires knowledge of the Crosslake area.

■ CROSSLAKE LIBRARY — Kim Larson, 218-692-7323.

Library Assistants — We are looking for a few good volunteers to work a variety of jobs. We offer a flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle. Some of the duties available include checking books in and out, helping patrons who need assistance with computers, processing books, or helping with our children’s programs. We are open Monday-Saturday. Each shift is usually three hours, but you are welcome to work more or less than that depending on your availability.

■ CROW WING COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES — Patty Ludwig, 218-824-1191.

Volunteer Drivers — We are seeking volunteers throughout Crow Wing County to help people with transportation to/from medical and miscellaneous appointments. Mileage reimbursement is provided depending on the transport and you choose which rides you would like to do.

Office Assistant — Help with filing, copying and assembling packets. Four hours per week. Schedule your own days and hours.

■ CROW WING COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM — 218-829-3268.

Museum Greeter — Museum greeter for front desk on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Help needed during the Crow Wing County Fair at one of the Historic Society buildings: General Store, Schoolhouse, Holsapple and Wohl House. The fair is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The shifts are three hours.

■ CROW WING COUNTY JAIL — Sgt. Tina Theisen, 218-822-7050.

Visit Coordinator — We are recruiting volunteers that have an interest in coordinating our Jail visiting program. Please call to request and application.

Mentors — Volunteer with old and new friends in a mentoring style with youth grades 3-6 and 7-12; it is a great way to give back to the community. Training and guidance with experienced volunteer provided. For schedule and hours please contact Jessica.

■ CUYUNA REGIONAL CARE CENTER — Ali Engler, 218-546-4353.

Caring Volunteers — There are volunteer opportunities available weekly and monthly to provide music, play cards, go on outings, share travel experiences, deliver mail, play games, help with special events, visit with residents, and more.

We have a wide variety of volunteer positions for you to consider, for example, Fancy Fingernails — We are currently looking for volunteers to help paint residents’ fingernails. Cribbage Players/Card Players — We are currently looking for volunteers to play cards or cribbage with residents. Friendly Visitors — We are currently looking for volunteers to visit with residents.

I've worked at the Brainerd Dispatch with various duties since Dec. 7, 1983. Starting off as an Ad Designer and currently Director of Audience Development. The Dispatch has been an interesting and challenging place to work. I'm fortunate to have made many friends, both co-workers and customers.